Hugh James

Headed by Richard Locke, Hugh James' 'knowledgeable and experienced' team has broad commercial disputes prowess, coupled with niche expertise in areas relating to professional negligence and defamation and is recognised for its ability to offer 'London City standards at provincial rates'. Locke's own practice exemplifies the scope and range of work the team handles, with contractual and shareholder disputes a common feature of his workload, as well as more prosaic issues including mining disputes. Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who is 'robust, charming and brilliant', is also a pivotal member of the team, particularly in the context of IP, sports and media-related disputes. 'A powerhouse in terms of litigation', recently promoted partner Abigail Flanagan regularly takes the lead on complex litigation involving injunctive relief and is also noted for her pensions and professional negligence aptitude.